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How to Throw off the Mound

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Throwing the Walls of a Pot while Throwing off the Mound

Throwing a pot off the mound, showing the ridge created during the actual throw.

Throwing a pot off the mound, showing the ridge created during the first actual throw.

Photo © 2008 Janet L. Giles

Throwing the pot's wall is done the same way as if you were working directly on the bat. Work with the wheel at slow to very slow speed, keeping the clay you are working with well lubricated.

Be sure to begin the throw with your right hand positioned below your left, with your left hand beginning at the very base of the pot's wall where it meets the floor. Compress the rim and remove excess liquid after every throw.

Remember to keep the walls as even as possible from base to rim; however, do take into account any shaping you will be doing as you trim the pot when it is leather hard. Because you are working with a small amount of clay, you may only need to throw twice, or perhaps even only once, instead of the more usual three times.

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